Comments

muleskinner

Enough of the arm twisting, let people decide if they want to vote for the bond issue and quit bugging them about the yes vote and how it will help the school system.

900,000 barrels of oil per day production in North Dakota's Bakken.

90 dollars per barrel x 900,000 equals 81,000,000 dollars each day in oil revenue from oil produced in the state.

365 x 81,000,000 equals 29,565,000,000 dollars in one year for the oil companies that are pumping oil in North Dakota.

Less 30 percent for oil extraction tax and royalty payments, the oil companies are enjoying an income of about 20 billion dollars each year. Operating costs maybe as much as 10 billion, 1000 wells drilled at a cost of 10 million each would be 10 billion dollars, so the oil companies are probably taking home 10 billion dollars in oil income each year.

Might want to think about having the oil companies donate some more money to help build more infrastructure and stop taxing those who aren't able to pay anymore.

Ndgirl11

I think it's ridiculous that so many people are opposed to this bond issue. You have no clue what the school situation currently is. Do you have to walk the length of a football field in -30 degree weather to use the bathroom on a daily basis? Well the students in our schools that are past their capacity do, unattended at times for that matter. Safety is a huge issue. If you vote no on the bond issue, we will have entire schools in portable classrooms with no running water and no security whatsoever. If you think you can't afford the small raise in taxes (and that's what it will be, folks), then maybe you should cut out that weekly run to McDonald's or the morning Starbucks coffee. As a parent with a child who will be in the school system soon, I am sad with the response of the community. There is no way I want my child to go to school in a class of 30+ in a portable classroom that is the size of a cracker box. These children have no say in this so that's where we come in.

ndgirl40

Aside from getting money from the state, which can't be done at this time, what is your solution? Also, by doing your research, I mean checking out the issues within our public school district. Aside from overcrowding, there are major safety issues that need to be addressed. I respect all opinions, but offer a viable solution. State money, sales tax, oil company money are out. Bonds are how schools get built. If you're against this, come up with a solution, because doing nothing WILL NOT cut it.

disgusted

willing to take the pinch, you say. We have taken as much of a 'pinch' we can take right now. The state did not cut our property tax just so the local governments could raise them. I was against the state getting involved. But go ask them for the money.

concerned

It's not a lie for say...but smoke and mirrors...most people won't do their research, but I have. And over the years in addition, people turn their cheeks to the truth that has come back to bit us in the behind. But they need to call the Ward County Office and find out how much their taxes will be before the bond. That's where the problem is people need to know the truth and this bond isn't the full truth. Here's your sign.....

ndgirl40

Great article. I'm not sure where the "lies" are, but the FACT of the matter here is that if this bond issue doesn't pass, we're sending our school district further into a world of hurt. And rather than dealing with this in a positive way, we will only be putting a bandaid on our gaping wound of a problem. We cannot and should not wait to start these changes. Yes, the homeowner may end up paying slightly more. That's the way it goes when you don't have much for state income tax like we do. The money needs to come from somewhere and in our case, it's property taxes. Bond issues are passed everywhere, all the time. This IS important. Accusing someone of lying is ridiculous. My taxes will be no less affected than anyone else's, but I feel it's worth it and am willing to take the pinch. If you do a little research into the problem, you might think so, too.

jcalavera

We are short on school space. Schools are paid for through taxes. Voting no on this will not take away taxes you are paying now. Voting no will not "let them know we need representative government". Voting now will only make sure that we have a shortage of space for our current students and will have to pack in future students in inadequate facilities.

If you don't like how things are run here, do something constructive. Run for office and change the rules from the inside. Go to meetings and let them know how you feel. Vote for candidates that share your views. If you don't want to change things the right way, then leave. I am sure there are places with lower taxes. Go there.

takahari4

Facts facts facts. The facts of the matter is you will pay taxes no matter where you live. The facts of the matter is the schools are grossly overcrowded. I'm pretty sure any parent is going to consider the safety of their children over the constant complaining of who pays too much for this that and the other. We are going to get railed with taxes no matter what the issue is or what our state, cities and federal government wants. Moral of the story we have to have more school facilities and there's no getting around it. Don't like the tax hikes? Then call your state reps and tell them to put there oil money to better use.

concerned

Dear Yes Minot, You need to do your research as well as some of us have been told we will be paying almost $1,000 more a year without the bond issue being considered. Hmmmm...I don't think $2,000 more a year is fair....so don't lie to me.......

yesminot

Please check out the facts released by Minot Public Schools at the website above. This explains how the bond will affect your property taxes, shows the expected increase in student numbers, and the proposed improvements the bond issue will provide for. Please take the time to research the proposal.

Legend

our taxes are too high now and were too high in 2012. to a city that is too often non-responsive to our wishes--it is our one voice, our one chance to let them know we need representative government. no more hockey, event center, bubble or school stuff until we have flood control.

doxiemom

A $125 million opportunity?? I don't think so. I'm all for extra space for the students...but not a Taj Mahal. How much more tax $$$$ can we Minot residents afford?? And, if you think for one minute that our taxes won't go up...you are a dreamer. I will be voting NO and I know a lot of others who are also voting NO.

socialismsucks

yes, if the magic city is going to remain the Tax Capital of ND, we need more money to go to the govt. after all, (violins here to inspire guilt) it's for 'the children.' i think it's about 15.00 per 1000 now, which of course is WAY too low. and we still have some long time residents of Minot that haven't been forced to move yet because of the cost of living. a Yes vote will help get those people out of here.

muleskinner

Property taxes will be less? Tell me another lie, please. The bond issue, if passed, will raise property taxes and the school board has stated that property taxes will increase.

Don't whitewash the issue by using words like 'spectacular teachers' and 'eager students', sure they are. They all work for the weekend so they don't have to work at teaching and learning, they can just stay home for a couple of days and rest. Everybody needs to do that. We need homes for rest and relaxation, don't tax us out of them.

Minot may need the facilities, nobody wants to have one room school houses anymore, but don't lie and state that property taxes will be lowered.

It isn't true. Be credible and tell the truth, don't lie.

Your letter bears little resemblance to the truth and you know it.

Education is important, that's why there are schools. Money is important too, that is why the bond issue has been proposed.